Colchester MP Will Quince has unveiled an information board recognising a crucial moment in the town’s history.

The permanent memorial is situated in Sir Isaac’s Walk, Headgate, and marks the scene of the Battle of Headgate in 1648.

Commissioned by the Friends of Colchester Roman Wall, the board features a special painting of the battle created by Colchester artist Roger Massey Ryan.

On June 13, 1648, at the start of the English Civil War, Parliamentarian forces tried to break into the town through the Head Gate but were fought off by the Royalists inside. Town solicitors Ellisons have sponsored the board to mark their connection to the battle.

During the siege, the firm’s Head Street building was used to hold prisoners of war.

Former Colchester mayor and chair of Friends of Colchester Roman Wall Henry Spyvee said the board is a way to honour one of the most important moments in Colchester history.

He said: “We hope the thousands of people who walk along Head Street every day will take a minute to stop and learn more about our past. We are grateful to Ellisons for supporting Colchester’s history.”

This will be the seventh Roman Wall interpretation board to be installed by the Friends. Others are in place at Balkerne Gate, Duncan’s Gate (in Castle Park), East Hill, the Northeast Corner, Priory Street and Scheregate Steps. Others will be installed over the coming months.